WWDC 2025 is done, and you’re probably itching to know if your iPhone or iPad will vibe with iOS 26 and its cool new tricks, like the Liquid Glass look and brainy AI. You want the scoop on which devices make the cut, which don’t, and how to prep without any drama, plus a way to keep your work rolling without pricey apps. This guide spills the full list of iOS 26 supported devices, drops easy prep tips, and shouts out WPS Office as a free, awesome app to stay productive. Let’s get you ready for the big update!
Part 1: iOS 26 Supported Devices
You’re probably itching to know if your iPhone or iPad will run iOS 26. Here’s the full list of supported devices, based on leaks and Apple’s patterns.
Apple refreshes its compatibility list every year, and iOS 26 is no different. Based on buzz from TechRadar and MacRumors, here’s who’s in and who’s out:
Supported iPhones: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, all iPhone 12 models (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max), iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max), iPhone 14 lineup (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max), iPhone 15 crew (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max), iPhone 16 gang (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e), iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020), and SE (3rd gen, 2022). The upcoming iPhone 17 series will be good to go, too.
Supported iPads: iPad Air (4th gen, 2020, or newer), iPad Pro (3rd gen, 2018, or later), iPad (8th gen, 2020, or beyond), iPad mini (6th gen, 2021, or later), all rocking A12 Bionic chips or better.
Unsupported Devices: iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (2018 with A12 chips) are out of luck, along with iPads running A10 chips (like the 7th-gen iPad). They’re capped at iOS 18.
Apple Intelligence Limits: Features like Live Translation and Visual Intelligence need iPhone 15 Pro or newer (A17 Pro chip or later). Older models like iPhone 11 may miss out on these due to hardware constraints.
Check your device in Settings > General > About > Model Name. If you’ve got an iPhone 11 or newer, you’re likely good, but AI features might need a beefier chip.
I poked around in Settings and saw my iPhone 12 is ready for iOS 26—phew, what a relief! But my old 7th-gen iPad’s out of luck, so I’m eyeing an upgrade. Knowing which devices work saves you from nasty surprises when the update hits.
Part 2: When Will iOS 26 Be Released?
Wondering when you can get your hands on iOS 26’s slick features? Apple hasn’t confirmed an exact date, but here’s the likely timeline based on leaks and their usual schedule.
Apple’s got a rhythm for iOS drops, and iOS 26 follows suit. Expect the big reveal at WWDC 2025, likely June 9 or 10, with a developer beta then. A public beta should hit in July for testing on spare devices, and the full release is pegged for mid-September 2025—around September 16—alongside the iPhone 17 launch, according to Times Now. Apple might stagger some features, like advanced AI, into iOS 26.1 to squash bugs. U.S. users can expect the update at 10 AM PT, with global timing varying by time zone.
I’m marking September 16 in my calendar for the big drop. The July beta’s tempting, but I’ll wait for the stable release to avoid glitches on my main phone. Keep an eye on Apple’s site for official dates.
Part 3: What Are the iOS 26 Features?
The iOS 26 features are why you’re excited, from a gorgeous redesign to AI that feels like magic. Here’s what’s coming, based on WWDC 2025 leaks.
iOS 26 is set to be a massive upgrade, with leaks from Apple and 9to5Mac hyping some killer features:
Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, 3D interface with glassy icons, floating menus, and a “Clear” theme that reacts to your wallpaper or phone movement. It’s like visionOS but for your iPhone, making every swipe feel alive.
Apple Intelligence Boost: Siri gets smarter with on-device language models for complex tasks like planning or offline queries. Visual Intelligence lets you analyze screenshots or objects via camera, like identifying a plant, but needs iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
App Upgrades: Phone app adds Call Screening and a unified contacts/calls view. Messages gets polls, custom backgrounds, and Live Translation for real-time chats. Maps tracks Visited Places (encrypted), and CarPlay adds widgets.
Creative Tools: Genmoji merges emojis for custom creations, Image Playground makes images from prompts, and Apple Music’s AutoMix blends tracks like a DJ.
Accessibility: Braille Access turns your phone into a braille note-taker, and Head Tracking lets you control it with facial movements.
I’m stoked for the Liquid Glass look—it’s like my iPhone’s getting a sci-fi makeover. Visual Intelligence sounds like a game-changer for quick searches, but I’m bummed my iPhone 12 might miss some AI goodies.
Part 4: Prep Your Device for iOS 26
You want your iPhone or iPad ready for iOS 26 without hiccups. Here’s how to prep your supported device for a smooth update.
To get your device ready for iOS 26’s features:
Free Up Space: iOS 26 needs 6-8GB free. Clear old photos, apps, or videos to avoid install issues. Check storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Back Up Your Data: Save to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Backup > Back Up Now) or a Mac/PC via Finder/iTunes. Confirm the backup in iCloud (Manage Storage > Backups) to protect your stuff.
Avoid Beta Risks: The July public beta is tempting, but bugs can mess with apps or battery life. Wait for the September release unless you’ve got a spare device.
Use Lightweight Apps: Apps like WPS Office (next section) keep your phone zippy, unlike heavier ones that slow older models.
I cleared 7GB on my iPhone 12 last update, and it made the install a breeze. Backing up saved me when a beta glitched my apps once—don’t skip it!
Part 5: Stay Productive with WPS Office
iOS 26’s new features are exciting, but you need apps that won’t slow you down. WPS Office is a free, lightweight gem to keep your work flowing—here’s how to use it.
iOS 26’s upgrades are cool, but you don’t want pricey apps dragging your phone. WPS Office for iOS is my go-to—free, AI-powered, and perfect for iOS 26. Here’s why it’s awesome:
Step 1: Grab WPS Office: Search “WPS Office” in the App Store or visit wps.com. Tap “Install” and grant storage permissions.
Step 2: Sync Your Files: Sign in with a free WPS account for WPS Cloud to sync docs across your iPhone, iPad, and laptop, keeping work safe.
Step 3: Edit with Templates: Tap “New,” pick a template (docs, sheets, slides), and edit with text or images. Save to WPS Cloud or locally.
Step 4: Stay Stable: WPS’s light design runs smoothly on iOS 26, even on older phones. Use OCR for scanning or dark mode for night work.
I’ve been editing notes in WPS Office on my iPad with Apple Pencil, and it’s like writing on paper—so smooth. It’s kept my work on track through beta glitches, and the free price is a total win.
FAQs
Q1: How do I check my iPhone model?
Open Settings > General > About to see your model name (like iPhone 14) and number (like A2651). It’s a quick way to confirm iOS 26 compatibility.
Q2: How do I update to iOS 26?
Once it’s out, back up your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and tap “Download and Install” on Wi-Fi with your phone plugged in.
Q3: Will iOS 26 work on older iPhones?
iPhone 11 and newer should run iOS 26, but XR, XS, and XS Max are out. Apple Intelligence needs iPhone 15 Pro or newer
Q4: Will apps work on iOS 26?
Most should, but some might lag until developers update them. Check the App Store for patches to keep things smooth.
Q5: Can I ditch iOS 26 if it’s buggy?
Yup, within 14 days of release, restore a pre-iOS 26 backup via Finder/iTunes in recovery mode (press volume up, then down, hold side button). Back up first!
